Fans who tune in to watch the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder live online in game one of the Western Conference finals will be looking to see how various injuries will impact the two best teams in the West. The big news in Oklahoma City this week was the calf injury to Serge Ibaka, suffered in the Thunder’s game six victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Without Ibaka, the Thunder are severely shorthanded in the post against the depth of the San Antonio Spurs.
When asked about the loss of Ibaka, Thunder center Kendrick Perkins told ESPN , “It’s hard, but we’re going to move on. We’re a very prideful organization and team. We’re going to move on.”
For those who watch the San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder live online, there will be many exciting match ups. However, the absence of Ibaka will test the abilities of Thunder coach Scott Brooks. It is impossible to replace the defense and mid range shooting of Serge Ibaka against the Spurs. Brooks will have to decide whether to go with the rookie Steven Adams or play Kevin Durant at the power forward. If Brooks decides to play Durant at the power forward position, expect to see more of Caron Butler against the San Antonio Spurs.
Of course, the Spurs have injury issues of their own. Spurs fans who watch San Antonio vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder live online will be monitoring whether or not Tony Parker is at full strength. Parker aggravated his hamstring against the Portland Trailblazers, leaving game five and never returning. Although Parker is expected to play against the Thunder in game one on Monday night, how much he plays is yet to be determined. If Parker is slowed by his injury, expect to see Russell Westbrook in full attack mode.
The best chance the Thunder have against the Spurs is if Westbrook can get to the rim, score, and kick to Durant and the other shooters. Whether or not Ibaka’s absence will leave too much of a hole in the middle is yet to be seen. Watch the San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder live online in game one of the Western Conference finals Monday night at 9pm EST.
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